Society

Yamaguchi to quit pop group Tokio over kissing scandal

May 03 (Japan Today) - Tatsuya Yamaguchi, a member of Japanese all-male pop group Tokio, has expressed his intent to leave the five-member band after coming under fire for kissing a high school student against her will, other group members revealed Wednesday.

The remaining members -- Shigeru Joshima, Masahiro Matsuoka, Tomoya Nagase and Taichi Kokubun -- said at a press conference they have yet to reach a conclusion on what to do about Yamaguchi's resignation but the four will continue to work as the group for the time being.

The 46-year-old musician and TV personality had admitted to the allegation and was referred to prosecutors in April, but they dropped his indictment on Tuesday. The girl is believed to have withdrawn her victim report after agreeing to a settlement.

Tokio has canceled its music work, including a plan to create an album marking the 25th anniversary since their debut, the members said.

Last month, Yamaguchi was referred to prosecutors on suspicion of forcibly kissing the girl he had met through work at his home in Tokyo's Minato Ward in February.

He was drinking alcohol alone on the day of the incident and invited the girl and a friend to his home in the evening, according to his lawyer.

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